Transfer a car title after a death in Hawaii

If the car was jointly owned, the surviving owner signs the title as seller and as the new owner, and brings the title, the last registration, a current safety inspection certificate and a state-certified copy of the death certificate (no photocopies).

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in Hawaii

If the car was jointly owned, the surviving owner signs the title as seller and as the new owner, and brings the title, the last registration, a current safety inspection certificate and a state-certified copy of the death certificate (no photocopies). If the car was in the person's name only, the small estate affidavit can be used regardless of the car's value; Honolulu provides its Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent, CS-L (MVR) 39, and asks you to call (808) 768-4324 or visit a satellite city hall for guidance. Honolulu transfers need an appointment.

Law: HRS 560:3-1201(a)(1), (b)

Agency
County motor vehicle offices (in Honolulu: Department of Customer Services, Division of Motor Vehicles, at satellite city halls)
Form
Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent, CS-L (MVR) 39 (Honolulu)
Fee

Honolulu: the title transfer fee is $10 ($60 with penalty by mail after 30 days), plus any registration due. Other counties set their own fees.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Not clear

Cars registered in the person's name can be transferred with the affidavit regardless of their value. Ask the court or a lawyer whether a car's value is added to the $100,000 total.

Law: HRS 560:3-1201(a)(1)

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Counts

Boats and other personal property in the person's name alone count at gross value.

Law: HRS 560:3-1201

Related pages

Free help in Hawaii

A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.